The following provides a general overview of what you need to know to get started with physical therapy and what you can expect while in our care.

Getting Started
Michigan law requires that a patient get a referral from a medical doctor in order to begin physical therapy treatment. A physical therapist may evaluate an individual without this prescription. But, in order to begin any treatment, the referral must be obtained.

Contact us today and we can get started. We will need your name, insurance information and whether your injury is work-related or not. We can get you scheduled at one of our four convenient locations, often with 24 hours of your first call or even the same day.

Does insurance cover physical therapy?
Medical insurance generally covers physical therapy treatment. However, each insurance plan is different. You can check with your insurance carrier to determine your coverage. Or, if you prefer, you can call us today and our staff will be glad to assist you in determining your benefits.

What to Expect On Your First Visit
Please plan on arriving 15 minutes before the start of your appointment to complete your new patient paperwork, which includes information about your injury, current function and pain scale. Be sure to bring your physician’s referral, your insurance card (if applicable) and wear comfortable clothes.

You will be evaluated by a licensed physical therapist or occupational therapist, which will include time for your therapist to get to know you in order to better understand your injury. Each patient’s situation is unique and your plan of care will be set up just for you. For future visits, we ask that you let us know at least 24 hours in advance if you are unable to make your scheduled appointment.

How the Billing Process Works
When you are seen for treatment, the following occurs:

The physical therapist bills your insurance company or Workers’ Comp or charges you based on Common Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes.

These codes are transferred to a billing form that is either mailed or electronically communicated to the payer.

The payer processes this information and makes payments according to an agreed upon fee schedule.

An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) is generated and sent to the patient and the physical therapy clinic with a check for payment and a balance due by the patient.

The patient is expected to make the payment on the balance, if any.

It is important to understand that within the process there are many small steps beyond the outline provided as well as common exceptions. At any time along the way, information may be missing, miscommunicated or misunderstood This can easily delay the payment process. While it is common for the payment process to be completed in 60 days or less it is not uncommon for the physical therapy clinic to receive payment as long as six months after the treatment date.